title: Evaluation criteria for mobile teledermatology applications and comparison of major mobile teledermatology applications.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mobile teledermatology applications have enabled increased patient access to dermatologic care. For groups interested in starting a mobile teledermatology program, selection of the appropriate application can be challenging. Having pretested evaluation criteria allows for efficient, systematic assessment of mobile teledermatology applications and identification of features important for comparison. The primary aim of this study is to determine a framework for evaluation of mobile teledermatology applications and to compare two major mobile teledermatology applications available in the United States using the proposed criteria.
  
  
  METHODS
  We incorporated previous teledermatology application evaluation criteria and developed new evaluation criteria to reflect matters specific to the mobile platform. Through a systematic search, we identified two publicly available mobile teledermatology applications in the United States and applied the evaluation criteria.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 13-point evaluation criteria encompass three major domains: (1) technical specifications, (2) user experience and workflow, and (3) integration and scalability. The evaluation criteria provided an effective way of assessing the two mobile teledermatology applications. Both AccessDerm version 1.0 (Vignet Corp., McLean, VA) and ClickMedix version 1.3 (ClickMedix LLC, Rockville, MD) were capable of managing consultations. These applications adopted different approaches to balancing image quality versus data transmission, managing follow-up patients, and enabling dialogue between providers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mobile teledermatology provides convenient and scalable means of providing specialty care. The creation of mobile application evaluation criteria offers a useful guide for assessing future mobile applications.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of California San Diego School of Medicine , San Diego, California.
authors.forename: Baran
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: April W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Armstrong
mesh_terms: D003880:Dermatology; D006801:Humans; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D017216:Telemedicine; D059015:Wireless Technology